Leading 4 Life "Stories"
I am Bob Judson and I spent over 34 years in the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom as a fast-jet pilot and then eventually as a senior leader, retiring from the military in 2015 as an Air Vice-Marshal (2* General). I subsequently transitioned to the corporate world as a consultant at Deloitte, but in 2019 I stepped away from all that and co-founded Leading 4 Life.
I am passionate about helping to develop the leadership skills of individuals and teams and that is what this podcast is all about. You will hear from me, and from a wide range of special guests, many of whom have had incredible leadership journeys and risen to the most senior level of their governments, militaries and corporations. The focus won't only be on success; there is also much to be learned from the failures along the way!
Thank you for listening!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudsonBob
Website: https://leading4life.co.uk/
Leading 4 Life "Stories"
E50 - Guests: Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority & Former Chief of the Air Staff
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My guest this week is Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the current Chairman of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and a former Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force. In another first for Leading 4 Life "Stories", this episode was recorded as an event for The Leaders' Club, with an online audience who were able to ask questions of Steve once the recording was complete.
Steve and I joined the RAF and went through flying training at very much the same time. Our paths diverged very early though as Steve went straight back into the flying training system as a Qualified Flying Instructor and subsequently on to the Tornado GR1 and then GR4. He climbed the career ladder at a very impressive rate and ultimately held the top job as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff from 2016-2019.
He has subsequently forged an equally impressive civilian career, taking over as Chair of the CAA in 2020, as well as being a Board Member of the Atomic Energy Authority, Chair of the RAF Museum, holding an advisory role with a major PLC, and being involved with a range of charities.
Steve speaks candidly about the highs and lows of his RAF career as well as offering advice for those leaving the military and transitioning to civilian life. Please note that, because the recording was made ahead of the UK General Election in July 2024, Steve was unable to talk about his CAA role due to the rules applying to all public officials ahead of UK elections.
In this episode we cover the following topics (starting time in brackets):
- Steve's career journey (00.02.47)
- Early motivations (00.07.42)
- Adjustments to leadership style (00.12.02)
- Role models (00.19.19)
- Leadership learnings from the flying environment (00.28.13)
- Highs and lows (00.34.38)
- Relaxation & de-stressing (00.46.52)
- Top tips for a leaving the military and making a successful civilian transition (00.50.24)
- Most difficult question! (00.56.33)
Thank you for listening! If you value the content I produce, please consider supporting the show financially by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/leading4life/ or clicking the "Support the Show" link above.
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You can find more about me here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judsonbob/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudsonBob
Website: https://leading4life.co.uk/